PRIVILEGED POSITION WITHIN THE ROYAL COURTS OF THE GONJAS


PRIVILEGED POSITION WITHIN THE ROYAL COURTS OF THE GONJAS

Every region of Ghana has its own unique cultural character and breathtaking scenery. Larabanga, a little village of 4,000 people, houses Ghana's oldest mosque and is known as the "Mecca of West Africa" by the Muslim community. The yearly fire festival, which draws thousands of visitors from the sub-region, is the most celebrated event in the residents' rich spiritual and cultural life. Throughout the book, you will learn about the extensive cultural and natural assets that make Larabanga one of the most popular tourist sites in the country's north, as well as the Mole National Park, Ghana's largest natural reserve. The elders of the hamlet tell us about Larabanga's history, which has been passed down orally from generation to generation. According to some stories, the settlement was founded in the 11th century AD, while others believe it was founded in the 13th or 14th century AD.

Oral tradition, on the other hand, does not freeze history; rather, it makes it a living part of the villagers' daily lives and culture. As a result, many children in the town today bear the name "Ibrahim" in honour of the person usually regarded as the village's founder: Imam Yidan Braimah, originally from Medina in modern-day Saudi Arabia. According to popular opinion and supported by the prevalence of the name, Larabanga was founded in the 17th century AD. Several kingdom-states rose in Sub-Saharan Africa during this period, while others asserted their existence. Such was the situation with Gonja, an area seized by Malinke invaders commanded by Ndewura Jakpa (1596–1645). This great warrior soon surrounded himself with spiritual mentors to secure success at all times. Imam Yidan Braimah then left his own lands to reside in what became Larabanga. He led the chief, Ndewura Jakpa, in wars with the help of Fatu Murkpe and Dokurugu. Among his notable conquests was Kango, which is now in Côte d'Ivoire. As a token of his appreciation, the Kamaras, descendants of Imam Yidan Braimah, were given a prestigious place within the Gonjas' royal courts. This agreement between Ndewura Jakpa and the Imam dates back to the 17th century AD, and it is still in effect today. 

When a Gonja welcomes a Kamara nowadays, he adds the remark "Kongote," which means "the end of kango," a reference to the role played by the Kamaras during the town's takeover. Following the death of Ndewura Jakpa, Imam Yidan Braimah realised the value of owning the Koran as a spiritual leader. There were only seven Coranic texts held at Mecca prior to this time. According to religious legend, one of the seven Korans in Mecca was given to him from heaven while he worshipped at a holy site known as the "sacred stone." This Koran is now stored in the community and read aloud once a year to commemorate the Muslim new year during the fire festival. This wonderful event, which also commemorates the arrival of the Koran in the community, draws a large number of loyal worshippers who come to hear Koranic readings outside the old mosque. Individuals who have severe difficulties to tackle or who seek spiritual protection in their endeavours can also request private readings. In exchange for the readings, the Chief Imam seeks the sacrifice of a cow and other community gifts.


REFERENCE

George Olympio, Paul Duon Naa, Ivor Nicholas, Thierry Joffroy, Sébastien Moriset, et al.. Larabanga. CRATerre, pp.36, 2004, 2-906901-33-4. ffhal-04020202

HAL Id: hal-04020202 https://hal.science/hal-04020202 Submitted on 8 Mar 2023.

 

 ARTICLE BY

ALHASSAN ABDUL-RAUF

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Anonymous said…
Nice work
July 31, 2023 at 11:43 AM
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